The results of a long-awaited water quality test should be available within the next few weeks, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The test is in the final stages of completion, DNR director of communications Gina Terlizzi said.

The tests are expected to identify the sources of high levels of E.coli at the two public beaches in Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

The two public beaches in the state park have had ongoing problems with water quality. The state has been forced to close the beaches numerous times during the past several summer seasons due to elevated levels of E.coli. The state has also taken measures to reduce the number of geese congregating at the beachs. The geese are believed to be a contributing factor to the water quality issues.

According to DNR, the department has contracted with the USGS Missouri and Ohio Water Science Centers and Missouri University of Science and Technology to complete a water quality study at the Lake of the Ozark State Park's Grand Glaize Beach and Public Beach #1.

As part of the study, the USGS and MS&T installed a network of monitoring sites at and around the beaches to collect water samples throughout the 2012 recreational season. The monitoring efforts for both state park beaches included water quality sampling at different frequencies; runoff sampling; source tracking and water quality and meteorological monitoring, Terlizzi said.

This is the first time DNR has taken steps to determine the actual source of the E.coli. Geese have been targeted as a possible cause, as has runoff from rainwater.